160 pupils experience a Future Day full of exciting experiences and insights at STILL
Experience, don't just listen
From grinding and filing to learning the basics of soldering and welding with the help of virtual reality and navigating a warehouse using a forklift simulator – 160 school pupils from Hamburg experienced it all and more at the 2026 Future Day event hosted by intralogistics specialist STILL. Under the motto "Experience, don't just listen, participate, don't just watch”, the pupils gained practical insights into the various fields of work and career profiles within intralogistics, and they were given a rare opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of an international company.
A varied programme of hands-on activities, experiments and experiences awaited the young guests. Following a warm welcome from Caroline Staudinger, Senior Vice President Human Resources, and Jan Wehlen, STILL’s training manager, the pupils from years 5 to 9 visited ten different stations at the factory of Hamburg’s long-established company. They had the opportunity to make their own small metal workpieces, construct spinning tops and miniature forklifts, manoeuvre a narrow-aisle forklift truck through a warehouse in the forklift simulator, and even try their hand at soldering and welding – thanks to innovative virtual reality technology, completely risk-free yet realistic. In the process, the pupils gained insights into tomorrow's working world and experienced first-hand how state-of-the-art technologies are already being used in industry today. “I liked the forklift simulator best. It was as if you were really sitting in the vehicle and driving up the metre-high racks. I wouldn’t have thought you could make such precise movements with such a large machine,” said Jannis, a year 7 pupil.
Apprentices and students organise Future Day
The 11- to 17-year-olds were guided through the day by a dedicated team of around 50 apprentices and dual-study students at STILL’s Hamburg site. They traditionally prepare and run Future Day at STILL in terms of both content and organisation, with active support from experienced STILL foremen, forewomen and training supervisors. This makes Future Day an exciting development project for the young adults too: they learn to plan in a structured and proactive manner, work together as a team, and apply what they have learnt. "Being involved in a project of this scale with so many details was great fun and a valuable experience," reports industrial engineering student Wienke Berrens, who, along with fellow student Emil Grader, was involved in preparing this year's Future Day. "In addition to organisational challenges such as registration and promotion, it gave us interesting insights into different areas and allowed us to connect with colleagues we would otherwise never meet."
And for the young guests, it offers genuine insights into life as an apprentice or student at STILL, as well as the opportunity to chat with young people who are currently having exactly the same experience. "Everyone was really nice and showed us lots of things and explained everything," says Henry, in year 5. "They told us about their own apprenticeships and what they do and learn every day. It sounded really exciting and varied. I could see myself feeling at home here, too.” On this year's Future Day, apprenticeships in mechatronics, industrial mechanics, construction mechanics, machining mechanics, industrial clerking, warehouse logistics and various dual study programmes were represented. Alongside the students, many departments and divisions are actively involved in organising Future Day, providing pupils with unique insights into the varied working day of technical professions and behind the scenes. In the central workshop, for example, the young visitors can see the large 3D printer, as well as specialised equipment such as a laser cutting machine or a CNC lathe and milling machine.
“For many school pupils, Future Day is their first taste of the world of work. Naturally, we want to make it as exciting, practical and personal as possible," explains Jan Wehlen. "There are currently many interesting prospects and opportunities, particularly in technical professions, for both boys and girls. We want to convey this to our young visitors and also show them the friendly and supportive atmosphere at STILL.”
Supporting young talent as a key component of future viability
Supporting young talent is a top priority at STILL. Future Day is a key part of this initiative and has been an integral element of the company’s talent development strategy for over 20 years. Through this event, the company actively contributes to career guidance for young people while investing in the skilled workers of tomorrow. “Supporting young talent is an investment in the future, both in terms of our own competitiveness and Germany's position as an industrial location,” explains Caroline Staudinger. "Furthermore, STILL and the city of Hamburg have a history stretching back more than 100 years. We feel it is our responsibility to show children and young people in the city attractive educational and career prospects.”
In addition to Future Day, STILL is committed to recruiting young talent throughout the year through a variety of initiatives. These include a multi-award-winning apprenticeship and degree programme, close partnerships with Hamburg schools, the SchuleWirtschaft network, NordBord — a STEM club for children and young people — and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA).
